Today I learned about an old friend that committed suicide. I have a cousin fighting pancreatic cancer and a dear sister in law newly diagnosed with cancer. I have a friend in a difficult marriage. A single friend who really wants to be married. A friend newly divorced. A young man fighting the demons of addiction. These are just a few that come to mind.

There’s that wonderful quote that says “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”. You’ll find a few versions all attributed to a few different people, but the sentiment is exactly the same. And it’s the best advice anyone can give someone else, and it’s one of the best ways to live your life.

Imagine how much better the world could be if everyone on the planet adhered to this…?

I don’t want to make this post a sad one, but at the risk of sounding melancholy, life is difficult. It’s wonderful and hard. And we all need kindness.

As much as I’d like to think I’m a Christian and treat people fairly and kindly, I have
to admit I’m the sort of person that gives people the benefit of the doubt – until they cross me. Or hurt my family. In the words of the Hulk, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry”. I’m not as bad as some people I know, and I don’t pout or harbor grudges like some people I know, but I have been known to unleash my wrath on those that I feel deserve it because “they started it”.

This is NOT a good way to live your life and treat others if you think about the “Be Kind” quote. So, I’m vowing to apply the Be Kind ideology to more people, more of the time. I need to do better. Anger and regret and holding grudges get you nowhere. I desire to be kind even to mean people.

How I’ll apply kindness in more situations in life

I’m vowing to change my behavior in the following ways:

When people wrong me or my family I will not just forgive them but will pray pray for them and choose kindness. I know so many people who are mean and blow people off and yet sit in church each Sunday. I don’t want to be like them.

When people attempt shoplifting from my gallery I will be kind. There will be consequences but I will do it with kindness.

When someone I see on my walks or the cashier in the supermarket don’t say good morning back to me, I won’t get in a huff because they were rude – they may have just been given some terrible news and aren’t up to it.

And when I get cold called to buy a car warranty, vacation or insurance or something else I don’t need I won’t take out my frustration on the caller – they’re just doing their job.

You never, ever know what someone is going through. Even those close to you will likely never tell you.

So there’s the thought for the week: Kindness – all the time, always. It costs nothing. It hurts no one. It helps everyone. You never know, it might switch something in someone’s brain… and even save their life.

DO YOU HAVE STORIES OF KINDNESS THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS…